Job Requirements for EU Citizens
As an EU, EEA, Swiss, or UK citizen, you are granted the right to live and work in Ireland. If you fall into this category, you do not need to apply for a work visa. Simply locate a job and move to Ireland!
You're also free to start a business or maintain self-employment within Ireland. If you have Irish citizenship through descent, you have the same employment rights as any Irish-born citizen.
EU Citizens: No work visa required. You have the same employment rights as Irish-born citizens.
Job Requirements for Non-EU Citizens
If you're considering Ireland for a possible relocation and you're not an EU, EEA, Swiss, or UK citizen, there are certain criteria you'll need to meet before you'll be considered for a job or work visa application.
Ireland maintains a "critical skills" list which classifies occupations that are in high demand. If your profession falls on this list, you may have an easier path to obtaining a work permit.
Work Permit Types
- Critical Skills Employment Permit — For highly skilled occupations on the critical skills list. Generally requires a minimum salary of €38,000 (or €64,000 for occupations not on the list).
- General Employment Permit — For occupations not on the critical skills list, with a minimum salary requirement of €34,000.
- Intra-Company Transfer Permit — For employees being transferred from a foreign branch to an Irish branch of the same company.
Finding Employment
The Irish job market is tough. As the last EU country with English as an official language, the entirety of the English-speaking world is competing for positions here. Ireland also has an abundance of highly educated citizens of its own. You'll find many jobs request several years of experience before considering applicants.
Tip: Having Irish/EU citizenship gives you a significant advantage over non-EU applicants, as employers don't need to sponsor a work permit for you.